The head of state insisted that no effort be spared to show the more than four million people who visit the island every year that, despite the severe impact of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the U.S. government, traveling to Cuba will remain attractive, pleasant, and safe.

Minister of Tourism Manuel Marrero Cruz reported that the Varadero International Hotel, inaugurated on September 14, stands out among new facilities opened this year, including the Paseo del Prado, in Havana; the Kempinski Resort and the Grand Muthu, in Cayo Guillermo; and the first hotel on Cayo Cruz. In addition to these are new facilities from the Encanto group in Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, Gibara, Santiago de Cuba and the capital

“Over the last 15 years we have renovated 76 heritage buildings. Of these, 64 are today Encanto boutique hotels and 18 offer extra-hotel services,” he said.

The Minister added that investments are being made in nature tourism, recreation, and popular camping; coordination is progressing with the non-state sector; and cultural tourism is being promoted. In addition, commercialization of aesthetic and medical treatments is being prioritized, through a joint strategy with the Ministry of Public Health.

Also reviewed during the meeting was the substitution of imports, with joint efforts being made by the ministries of Agriculture and Industry, for the selection of products to replace those purchased abroad. (National news staff)

PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVES

- We cannot overlook everything the tourism sector brings to the country in economic and social terms, in addition to serving as a bridge, because with every tourist who visits us, he said, the imperial blockade’s regulations are being challenged.

- We must develop new tourism products, not only sun and sand vacations, but activities linked to health, culture, history, heritage, and nature, in which Cuba’s uniqueness is present.

- Many people do not come today as a result of the blockade, but we will overcome this and we will defeat it. We cannot wait until that time to expand our hotel capacity.

- The tourist industry must include collaboration between the state and non-state sectors, and be integrated with local development programs.

(Granma)

Natural parks, waterfalls, rivers, caves, and a rich variety of plant and animal species to observe abound in the center of the island.

The central region, ideal for combination circuits including the appreciation of nature and hiking, is considered today one of the most beautiful parts of the country to enjoy the outdoors.

Located in the Guamuhaya mountains, an indigenous name that means much water in the mountains, is Topes de Collantes, a natural preserve that is home to 45% of the island’s endemic birds, more than 15 species of pines, approximately 100 varieties of plants, amphibians known only here, and Hanabanilla Lake, the highest in Cuba at 400 meters above sea level.

Bordered by the central provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, and Sancti Spíritus, Topes de Collantes includes 200 square kilometers of varied terrain and is a designated Protected Natural Landscape.

NATURAL EXPERIENCES IN CUBA

For those who love fresh air, mountains, and clear waters, the region offers a variety of options. Several excursions are available in its six parks, including El Nicho, Altiplano, Caburní, Codina, Vegas Grandes, and Cubano, recognized as the most attractive to international and Cuban visitors alike.

Photo: Yisel Martínez García
In the Cubano, the closest park to Trinidad, daily tours with specialized guides are organized. On a short, four-kilometer hike visitors can enjoy a natural pool nine meters deep, while a 20-meter waterfall is the main attraction.

Vegas Grandes, for its part, boasts the highest waterfall of the region, close to 100 meters high. El Caburní was the first park to be opened and is the most famous. A seven-kilometer hike here takes visitors to a natural pool and 25-meter waterfall.

Codina is one of the most well-preserved parks in the area, with its Alfombra Mágica (Magic carpet) trail, always covered in moss, making hikers’ footprints practically invisible. Also located here is a cave where bats and different kinds of owls can be seen, as well as an overlook offering views of the city of Trinidad.

The most visited hiking area is the Guanayara, with a three-meter deep pool at the foot of a waterfall and various excursions offered.

All these parks offer food services, where restaurants serving traditional Cuban food predominate. Available for those with these interests are camping trips, catamaran excursions to Iguana Key, and a canopy experience for adventure tourists.

Photo: Yisel Martínez García
For longer stays in Topes de Collantes, lodging is available at the 105-room Helechos Hotel. Among its attractions are an indoor heated pool, a game room with billiard and ping pong tables, as well as a restaurant, Las Mariposas.

HANABANILLA

Hanabanilla is another of Cuba’s most beautiful spots, with a hotel set among the mountains. It is affiliated with the Islazul chain and receives European guests every year from Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Spain.

The Black River, located deep within the mountains, is not only noteworthy for its natural beauty but also for the meticulous care afforded its environment.

“This is a must-see visit that is much appreciated, making the Hanabanilla gardens an ideal place for weddings, quinceañeras, and celebrations of all kinds,” said Neuris J. Barzaga Laffite, Ministry of Tourism representative.

Boats are available for tours of the Black River, including two that have been reconditioned, and new nautical equipment has been acquired, added Barzaga.

ISLAZUL IN THE CENTRAL REGION

The Islazul Hotel Group administers several facilities in the central region of the country. Its activity in the province is growing, with plans underway to finish the year with these in better condition. Several projects are advancing, and there are openings for foreign investors.

“We currently have two administration contracts with prestigious international firms. One is Sercotel that already has four hotels in Havana, and the Meliá chain with three in Camagüey, and the other company is Inside, that should begin January 1, next year,” Barzaga explained.

Hotels with Cuban brand names have also strengthened investment in infrastructure, rooms, and training of workers, which is very important to achieving the needed competitive edge.

“The Santa Clara Libre Hotel has benefitted from the recovery of a number of rooms, 42 to be exact. It has new furniture, a high comfort level, new air conditioning, improvements in the hotel lobby and other spaces, among which the terrace and three event rooms stand out.

“Likewise, in what was formerly the basement, the Bodegón del Sótano has been opened, a bar that has been very well received by visitors,” Barzaga reported.

To expand in the circuit tourism modality, the Floreales Hotel in the city of Santa Clara has been completed.

In a city full of culture and history, the remodeled Floreales is considered a boutique hotel given its characteristics and comfort level. It boasts large rooms, various services, and the professionalism expected of this type of facility.

Islazul is present in all of Cuba’s cities, with a total of 110 hotels located in areas of significant cultural, historic, and natural value. This hotel group is committed to providing services for circuit tourism in urban and natural areas, which is being developed in the country.

(Granma)

However, thanks to its warm and tropical climate, Cuba is the perfect destination for diving all year round, noted Martínez who, given both the quality of the water and the service, receives clients on a daily basis as well as much repeat business.
Yail is the only female member of staff at the Center, where she has been working since 2004, and despite not being an instructor, she knows all there is to know about diving.
“We currently receive lots of un-certified divers who don’t know what they can do and my job is to guide and advise them. Some just stick with the initiation in the swimming pool, others go further and take the complete course which includes practicing in the swimming pool, and a shallow open water dive, that is to say, to a depth of no more than 10 meters,” she explained.

Just one year ago, the Center was based at the Trip Cayo Coco Hotel, but is now located in a privileged spot at the Meliá Cayo Guillermo, close to all the beach front hotels, and accessible to any client staying at the complex.

“Most of the clients we get are from Europe, and are normally people with a lot of diving experience and knowledge, but we also receive customers from Canada and other countries. Anyone can dive and we have five advanced level instructors with a vast amount of experience in the field.

In Jardines del Rey, coral reefs are located at a depth of between three and thirty meters. Photo: www.amazingcocodiving.com
“A lot of people who come here do so out of curiosity, that’s why it’s so important to be prepared. My job is to find out if they know anything about diving, if they’ve taken a course or are certified, and explain what they need to do depending on each case,” stated Yail Martínez.

The Center, affiliated with the Marlin Marinas and Nautical Activities Group, is a member of German based organization Scuba Schools International (SSI), and one of only a few in the country authorized to offer international courses. SSI meanwhile, is one of the most prestigious diving schools in the world with a central office in Havana.

“It has a well structured training program and in various languages. What is more, clients don’t have to come to us to get their certificate, they can do it online; get all their theory training and do their test, get their certificate and then come to us, and we take care of the practical side,” noted Martínez.

The center’s timetable includes three daily dives; one in the morning for certified divers, including a submersion to a depth of between 18 and 30 meters around a coral reef or sunken shipwreck. Then a shallow water dive at midday to enjoy the seabeds and fish; and another in the afternoon for beginners.

Cuba’s coastline is surrounded by coral reefs, home to countless species of crustaceans and mollusks, over 700 different types of fish and 300 sea sponges, as well as countless star fish and sea urchins.

In Jardines del Rey, coral reefs are located at a depth of between three and 30 meters and full of natural charms and a wide variety of marine life.

According to Yail Martínez, the depth of the submersion depends on the client’s diving level. She also explained that the center has a boat which accompanies clients throughout the duration of their dive, and another available to cater for larger groups. Meanwhile, sites alternate on a daily basis and if a client wants to do a full week of diving, they are taken to a different location every day.

“The Felipe barrier is shallow and good for beginners or inexperienced divers. The reef starts at a depth of three meters and goes down to 12. It’s a varied area and a good option for those that need to familiarize themselves with the environment,” Martínez explained.The reason why there are so many high quality dive sites in Cuba is not only due to the island’s natural environment but also concerted efforts by the government to protect the country’s marine ecosystems.

Diving at different locations helps reduce the impact on Cuba’s marine environment and is one of the key principles upheld by different diving centers located across the island. In the specific case of Jardines del Rey, protecting Cuba’s marine system is a taken very seriously and before setting out, clients have to sign a disclaimer, explaining the precautions that must be taken during a submersion.

“The instructors explain to everyone the characteristics of diving (maximum depth, submersion time, location, security measures, and emergency procedures) and stress the care that must be taken with the environment,” stated Yail Martínez.

Over 100,000 scuba divers travel to Cuba every year given its international reputation as one of the top 27 diving destinations in the world, according to the World Tourism Organization.

Scuba diving on the island dates back to 1970 and is an activity committed to the protection and conservation of the environment. According to statements by the Ministry of Tourism, one of its main priorities includes expanding scuba diving and nautical activities with development plans through 2030 and the creation of 23 nautical and marina facilities.

Protection and conservation of diving zones in Cuba. Ministry of Tourism legislation, May 8, 2014.

Prohibited:

Sample extractions of marine flora and fauna as well as underwater heritage, without due authorization from the regulating body.
Underwater spear fishing.
Removing or tampering with shipwrecks.
Throwing garbage, waste or any other kind of potentially contaminating material or substance into the sea.
Anchoring boats in diving zones.
Any other action or oversight that harms the environment and wildlife.
Top diving sites in Cuba:

María la Gorda, Pinar del Río.
The southern coast of the Isle of Youth and Cayo Largo del Sur.
Havana’s northern coastline.
The Zapata Peninsula, between Playa Larga and Playa Girón.
Varadero.
Jardines del Rey.
Jardines de la Reina.
Santa Lucía, in Camagüey. Diving with bull sharks.
Holguín.
The coast of Santiago de Cuba.

(Granma)

More than 150 participants from 12 countries visited important sites such as

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, a World Heritage Site; Bariay National monument, where Christopher Columbus landed; as well as protected areas in the Maniabón karst hills; the Chorro de Maíta waterfall; Taco Bay; Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere reserve; and the Yumurí River.

With a view toward future commercialization, presented were new travel routes focused on coffee, chocolate, and Columbus.

Also presented to travel agents, tour operators, ecologists and conservationists in attendance was information on the management of the Cuban archipelago’s most representative landscapes, as well as efforts underway to restore environmental damage caused by Hurricane Irma.

The event’s exchanges proved valuable to professionals involved in this type of tourism, while the leadership of Cuba’s Ecotur travel agency was recognized for its successful organization of natural excursions.

During the closing session of Turnat 2017 in La Punta recreation center, the next such gathering, Turnat 2019, was announced.

(ACN)